What to know about MCSD’s reopening plan as some students head back to school buildings
Now that some students have returned to in-person classes this week in the Muscogee County School District, here’s a Q&A about how the Columbus public schools will handle this phased reopening of their campuses amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The following information summarizes previous comments from MCSD officials and school district documents.
Which students have returned to in-person classes this week?
After conducting the first month of the fall semester with online-only classes, MCSD is implementing its choice model, allowing families to select in-person classes or remaining with virtual instruction.
In the first phase of the reopening, which started Monday, students whose families chose in-person instruction in prekindergarten through second grade, sixth grade, ninth grade and self-contained special-education classes have returned to their school buildings.
When will the other students be allowed in their school buildings?
The second phase of the reopening will start Sept. 21, so all students whose families chose in-person instruction will return to their campuses by then.
Can students stay with virtual instruction?
Yes, if their parent or guardian properly submitted their declaration.
If families have multiple children in MCSD, do they have to choose the same option for all of them?
No. Parents and guardians may choose the option that best suits each of their children.
Can they change their choice?
Yes, but only after the first nine-week grading period.
Are students in the virtual option allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities?
Yes, as long as they are academically eligible, but MCSD won’t provide them transportation.
What precautions is MCSD taking against the spread of COVID-19 while conducting in-person classes?
Arrival: Daily temperature checks and screening of symptoms upon arrival at school for all students and employees.
Bathroom breaks/hallway transitions: Directed by each school’s administration to limit contact.
Breakfast and lunch: School meals eaten in areas designated by each school’s administration. Some students in the cafeteria, others in their classrooms. All seated to maintain social distancing. Meals free for all students due to extension of federal waiver through Dec. 31.
Checking out: Parents/guardians should notify the school in advance before coming to check out their children.
Cleaning: Improved cleaning and disinfecting routines by custodians at all facilities. Cleanser provided to all teachers and office staff to use on high-touch surfaces throughout the day.
Face masks: Required for everyone at any MCSD site. “Mask Down Zones” in classrooms where students can safely but temporarily remove them.
Hand washing/sanitizing: Expected before entering buildings, before meals, after bathroom breaks, after sneezing/coughing and frequently throughout the day.
Lockers: No access allowed. Families with children who need an alternative accommodation should notify their school’s administration.
Physical education and recess: Directed at the discretion of each school’s administration.
School supplies: Avoid sharing personal items such as pens, pencils and computer devices.
Social distancing: Expected as much as possible at all MCSD properties. MCSD cites guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics to justify its minimum of 3 feet instead of 6 feet for social distancing if masks are worn.
Transportation: MCSD is encouraging as many families as possible to provide their own transportation to and from school for their children. For those who must rely on school buses, they are equipped with hand sanitizer stations at the door, all students and drivers must wear masks, and students are assigned seats. Buses are disinfected after each morning and afternoon route. MCSD warns bus routes are expected to be delayed 15-20 minutes. If delays are longer, call the district’s transportation dispatch line at 706-748-2876.
Visitors: Limited and based on the discretion of the school’s administration. Parents/guardians not allowed to go beyond the school’s designated entry points.
Water: MCSD encourages students to bring their own water. Limited access to water fountains will be granted.
What will MCSD do when a student or teacher in a classroom is diagnosed with COVID-19?
MCSD plans to identify everyone potentially exposed to the infected person. Contact tracing will be conducted in collaboration with local officials from the Georgia Department of Public Health and the school district’s pandemic response team.
Will the whole class have to quarantine if someone in the classroom is diagnosed with COVID-19?
That depends on factors such as when the exposure occurred, the duration and the distance between the individuals. The DPH defines a coronavirus outbreak at a school as two or more cases within a 14-day period that are linked, meaning they have a common exposure or have been in contact with each other, and don’t share a household and weren’t identified as close contacts to a case in another setting.
Will disciplinary action be taken against students who aren’t wearing a mask?
No, but students who don’t obey the mask requirement might be shifted to virtual instruction.
What about special-needs students. Do they have to wear a mask?
Considerations will be granted on a case-by-case basis.
This story was originally published September 15, 2020 at 6:50 AM.
